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Go Backpacking > Destinations > Europe > France > The Grand Tour Of Arcachon Bay

The Grand Tour Of Arcachon Bay

January 24, 2009 By Dave

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Atop the Dune of Pilat with a view of the bay and Atlantic Ocean

 

On this day, Magali working a long shift at the bakery, Sebastien took me around the Bay of Arcachon. Biganos, the town where Magali's mom lived, was at the southeast edge of the bay. First, we drove southwest to the Dune of Pilat, Europe's biggest sand dune. Formed during the 18th century, it was 104 meters high, 2.7km long, 500 meters wide, and consisted of 60 million cubic meters of sand.

 

A view over the dune toward the forests

 

I was wheezing on the way up, my heart pounding as though I were back in the Himalaya. The steady diet of chocolate and cheese was taking its toll. Atop the dune, the views of the surrounding pine forests and oyster farms near the entrance of the bay were stupendous. It was around this time I began to recall images of Anthony Bourdain's return to France in his Food Network show (and book) ” A Cook's Tour.”?

 

Arcachon

 

Next, we backtracked a little to walk through the town of Arcachon. It was very pretty, and despite the cold, the sunshine was nice and I could imagine what it would be like in Spring or Summer when the sidewalks and cafes would be busy with French and European vacationers.

 

Oyster shop

 

We stopped in a little shop to try some oysters. Based on the tourism brochure I read, it seemed mandatory, but I didn't expect to enjoy them. I was wrong. They were fresh, three years old, and delicious with a squeeze of lemon. As Sebastien had mentioned, the flavor of sea water is tasty. We each had three, then ordered a second set of six since there are probably few oysters on Earth that would taste so good.

 

Nothing fancy but oh so good

 

They're not particularly filling, but with a glass of white wine and some bread and butter, divine. This moment also reminded me of the way Bourdain talks about tasting his first oyster in France as a child as a defining moment in his life.

 

 

 

I couldn't resist

 

We then drove all the way around the bay toward Cape Ferret, stopping to walk through a village of oyster farmers along the way. It was rather deserted, being the low season, but perfect for taking a few photos. At La Pointe, we parked the car and went for a walk on the beach. There were quite a few people and dogs doing just the same.

 

Europe's largest sand dune

 

It was only from this vantage point across the bay that I could gain a real appreciation for the monumental size of the sand dune we climbed in the morning. When we reached the old WWII embattlements, mostly covered by sand and graffiti, I was all but sure Bourdain's ” France”? chapter/episode took place on the same beach, as he reminisced about playing around on the relics of the past. Our last stop before returning home was a trip up the local lighthouse for a 360-degree view of the bay.

 

Playing on a piece of history

 

Back at the house, I dug up confirmation online that the Bay of Arcachon was the location Bourdain use to visit as a kid, and did so once again with his brother as an adult. Yet again, I felt a connection with him, which is funny because his visit was to feel a connection with his childhood. At any rate, if you taste a fresh oyster in Arcachon, it's hard not to appreciate the moment, atmosphere, and (if you're lucky) company.

 

View of the bay from atop the lighthouse

 

In the evening, Magali still working hard to serve the best pastries to feisty and indecisive clientèle, her mom made meat fondue and fries for Sebastien and I, which was complimented by a bottle of red wine from St. Emilion. There were at least 5 different bottles of sauce available for dipping, including a Bearnaise, pepper, and Bordeaux. The immediate dessert consisted of two of the cheeses we had tasted the day before. I was stuffed.

 

Magali's mom

 

After dinner, I read more of ” Dark Star Safari”? by the wood-burning fire (used to heat the home), Theroux having finally reached Johannesburg, South Africa. Mag's mom watched TV and knitted. Seb used the internet.

 

A wonderful home cooked meal

 

Mom retired at 10pm, so I said goodbye and thanked her for everything. Seb and I waited up for Magali, watching CSI, NYC. She got back from work around midnight, carrying two boxes of assorted pastries. I joined her for another glass of wine and we ate some of the unsold treats from her bakery. I chose a chocolate one with mousse and cake, wrapped in a thin, flat sheet of chocolate.

 

I'm staying with the right person!

 

Yum!

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Filed Under: Food, France Tagged With: bordeaux, France

About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy says

    January 24, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    I absolutely LOVE the third photo! The composition is awesome and colors are amazing!

  2. Wendy says

    January 24, 2009 at 10:26 am

    I absolutely LOVE the third photo! The composition is awesome and colors are amazing!

  3. Russell Davison says

    April 30, 2009 at 10:53 am

    Fantastic photos with great lighting and filtering. I lived in Arcachon for 3 years and these well-taken pictures brought back the great memories that we have of this little French seaside town.

  4. Russell Davison says

    April 30, 2009 at 5:53 am

    Fantastic photos with great lighting and filtering. I lived in Arcachon for 3 years and these well-taken pictures brought back the great memories that we have of this little French seaside town.

  5. Dave says

    April 30, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    Thanks Russell! I like to think that after about 13,000 photos by that time, I was starting to get the hang of using the manual settings on my camera!

  6. Dave says

    April 30, 2009 at 12:56 pm

    Thanks Russell! I like to think that after about 13,000 photos by that time, I was starting to get the hang of using the manual settings on my camera!

  7. Ginette says

    August 31, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    loved your pictures which I found by accident,I have family in Merignac (about 15 miles?) I now live here in the states and once in a while it is nice to remember!Thanks for the pictures.GB

  8. Ginette says

    August 31, 2009 at 3:57 pm

    loved your pictures which I found by accident,I have family in Merignac (about 15 miles?) I now live here in the states and once in a while it is nice to remember!Thanks for the pictures.GB

  9. Dave says

    September 1, 2009 at 5:26 pm

    Hi Ginette – thanks for stopping by. Glad I could bring back some good memories. I hope to return to Arcachon Bay in the Summer to get the full experience – I bet it’s wonderful!

  10. Dave says

    September 1, 2009 at 12:26 pm

    Hi Ginette – thanks for stopping by. Glad I could bring back some good memories. I hope to return to Arcachon Bay in the Summer to get the full experience – I bet it’s wonderful!

  11. leah c says

    June 5, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    Hi !

    I googled Arcachon and your posting came up. Im considering going here in July for 4 days…looking for a small resort, a nice beach, nice scenes…basically a quaint seaside village. Would you recommend?

    Warmly,
    Leah

  12. Dave says

    June 5, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    Hi Leah, I wish I could offer some suggestions but I was staying with friends so I didn't have a need to research resort or hotel options. You might want to check the sites like Trip Advisor for ideas. I bet there are plenty of B&B's that could be nice to stay at too.

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